We have ranked the top 25 players on the Browns roster with a projection of what to expect in 2017 as well as looking back on last season.

Joe Thomas

Position >> Left tackle

Height, weight >> 6-foot-6, 312

Birthdate >> Dec. 4, 1984

Years pro >> 11th season

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College >> Wisconsin

Ranking >> First of 25

Thomas’ background >> Joe Thomas was a lock to be one of the first players selected in the NFL Draft in 2007, but instead of sitting in the green room inside Radio City Music Hall in New York City, waiting for his name to be called, Thomas went fishing with his father on Lake Michigan.

Thomas has never changed as a person. Former Browns general manager Phil Savage selected Thomas with the third overall pick, choosing him over running back Adrian Peterson, who went seventh to the Minnesota Vikings. Ten Pro Bowls later, Thomas is preparing for his 11th season with the Browns and polishing his resume as a future Hall of Fame player. Thomas announced before his first practice with the Browns that his goal was to be in the Hall of Fame. He wasn’t boasting.

Thomas has never missed a snap with the Browns. His amazing streak is at 9,934. He is the only player in Browns history to be named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the year twice. He was one of three finalists in 2012.

The longest tenured Brown, Thomas is a strong supporter of the U.S. military. He hosts a weekly segment on Browns television he humbly calls “The Joe Thomas Hour – the best two minutes of your life,” where he interviews players in the locker room.

Why Thomas is ranked first >> Thomas is putting together a Hall of Fame career. He is annually rated as one of the best tackles in the league by Pro Football Focus and he has made the Pro Bowl every year he has been in the NFL. Simply, he is the best player on the Browns roster.

2016 recap>> Thomas started every game and played every snap last season, as he always does. He helped the Browns to a rushing average of 4.89 yards a carry – their highest since 1966.

Why Thomas is important in 2017 >> Thomas protects the quarterback’s blind side, and there is no need to go beyond that in saying how important he is to the team. He is a locker room leader who leads by example.

“I like talking to Joe because he likes talking football,” offensive line coach Bon Wylie said. “He has other things that he does in life, but he likes to talk football, which is great. He’ll just come in, sit down, and start talking about this technique, that technique.

Thomas doesn’t practice every day because Coach Hue Jackson wants to keep him fresh for Sundays, but he is a true professional in the way he prepares for each opponent. He is a great example for young offensive linemen to follow.

Prediction for 2017 >>This season will be like every other for Thomas. He will start every game, play every snap and make the Pro Bowl. His name will come up in trade rumors, but Coach Hue Jackson will demand Thomas remains a Brown.